Ingredients
Ingredients:
Here are the three essential ingredients for this homemade playdough:
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1 cup cornstarch (also known as cornflour in some regions)
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1/2 cup hair conditioner (choose a white or light-colored one with a nice scent; silicone-free is best)
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Optional: Food coloring or natural coloring (if you want colored playdough)
Instructions
Creating your own playdough is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the softest, most amazing playdough with only three ingredients.
Start by measuring 1 cup of cornstarch and placing it into a medium mixing bowl. Follow with 1/2 cup of hair conditioner. It helps to choose a conditioner that has a pleasant scent and smooth texture for the best sensory experience.
Pro Tip: Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon for mixing. It keeps the texture even and easy to work with.
Begin mixing the cornstarch and conditioner together. You’ll notice the mixture first looks crumbly or powdery — don’t worry! Keep stirring and pressing the ingredients together until they start to bind into a cohesive dough.
Once the mixture becomes harder to stir, transfer it onto a clean surface and begin kneading it by hand. This is the part where it transforms! As you knead, it will become soft, stretchy, and smooth, resembling commercial playdough in texture.
Note: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more cornstarch (a tablespoon at a time). If it’s too dry or crumbly, add a small amount of conditioner.
If you want colorful playdough, divide the dough into portions. Make an indentation in each and add a few drops of food coloring or natural dye (like beet juice, turmeric, or spinach juice). Knead each portion until the color is fully incorporated.
Safety Note: Wear gloves if you’re using strong food coloring to avoid staining your hands.
Once your playdough is ready, store it in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to keep it from drying out. When stored properly, it can last for up to two weeks or more, depending on humidity and usage.
Notes
Even though the word “cooking” is involved, this playdough is no-cook which means no stove, no heat, and no fuss. It’s perfect for kids to help make (with supervision) and requires only a clean surface and simple utensils.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes